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Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for his first U.S. state visit in 11 years. Trump welcomed him there.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for his first state visit to the U.S. capital in 11 years, beginning a closely watched three-day visit with President Donald Trump focused on trade, technology and broader security issues. Trump and first lady Melania Trump personally welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Trump’s decision to meet Xi at the military base rather than wait for him at the White House was an unusual diplomatic gesture. A red carpet and military honor guard were arranged for the arrival, with Trump and Xi exchanging handshakes before the Chinese delegation continued to Washington.
The main talks between the two leaders are scheduled for Thursday at the White House. The visit includes a formal arrival ceremony, a review of troops and private discussions, followed by a state dinner hosted by Trump and the first lady. Xi and Peng are also scheduled to return to the White House on Friday for a private tea before visiting the National Archives.
Trade is expected to be a major issue during the summit. U.S. officials have indicated that Washington and Beijing could discuss reducing some tariffs on nonstrategic goods, while the United States is not expected to loosen controls affecting the global supply of rare-earth minerals. The two governments have also been working through broader trade and economic disagreements that have affected businesses and supply chains in both countries.
Artificial intelligence is another important subject. Washington and Beijing are competing for leadership in advanced AI technologies while also discussing potential mechanisms for managing safety risks. The two sides are expected to address AI cooperation and competition, although officials have indicated that some discussions will focus on establishing a framework for future talks rather than reaching a comprehensive agreement immediately.
Taiwan and Iran are also part of the wider strategic backdrop to the meeting. China has maintained close economic ties with Iran, while Washington has been seeking to limit Beijing’s assistance to Tehran. Taiwan remains a major point of disagreement between the United States and China, with Beijing opposing U.S. support for the island and Washington maintaining its own commitments in the region.
The summit comes as both governments seek to manage competition without allowing disagreements over trade, technology and regional security to produce another major deterioration in relations. AP reported that neither side is expected to enter the meetings anticipating a sweeping agreement, making the continuation of direct dialogue itself an important part of the visit.
Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, The Washington Post, BBC and CNN.